Lumbini: The Birth Place of The Buddha

Updated on July 1, 2013

The Buddha's statue in Lumbini, Nepal | Source

The Marker Stone in Lumbini: The exact birth spot of the Buddha | Source

The Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. He was born on the full moon day of May 623 BC, in Lumbini, Nepal, and named Siddhartha. His father Suddhodhana was king of Kapilvastu, a small town in south-western Nepal. When his mother Maya Devi, Siddhartha was raised by Prajapati Gautami. After Maya Devi, Prajapati Gautami is another important woman figure in the Buddha’s life. She was not only his aunt and step-mother, but also the first woman to become a Buddhist nun. The Buddha’s teachings include the Four Noble Truth and the Eightfold Path.

Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, is about 300 km south-west of Kathmandu, Nepal, and four hours drive from Gorakhpur, India. There is a garden in Lumbini, called Lumbini Sacred Garden, which is protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. In Lumbini Sacred Garden, there is ancient temple dedicated to Maya Devi, the Buddha’s mother. Inside the temple you can see ruins of ancient Maya Devi Temple, Buddha Nativity Sculpture and the Marker Stone, found during the excavation of the site. Buddha Nativity Sculpture depicts the birth of the Buddha and Marker Stone marks the exact spot where the Buddha was born.

The earliest archeological evidence about Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha is a stone pillar laid by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. Other historical reference regarding historicity of Lumbini includes a travel account by a Chinese pilgrim in 4th century.

Tilaurakot was the home of Siddhartha Gautama, where he had lived for 29 years. Tilaurakot is 41 km west of Lumbini. In Tilaurakot, the ruins of Suddhodhana’s palace can still be seen. Suddhodhana’s kingdom is referred as Kapilvastu. There are lots of religious and archaeological sites in and around Lumbini.

Nepal is celebrating 2012 as Visit Lumbini Year.

Indian King Ashoka erected this stone pillar in 249 BC, to mark the birthplace of the Buddha | Source

How to Get to Lumbini

From Kathmandu

There are regular flights from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to Bhairahawa, the nearest town to Lumbini. Kathmandu-Bhairahawa flight takes about 35 minutes. Bhairahawa to Lumbini is 22 km, and you can take a taxi or bus from Bhairahawa airport to Lumbini. If you want to take a bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini, it is 300 km, and takes about 10 hours.

From Sunauli, the Indian border

If you enter Nepal from India through Sunauli border, you can reach Lumbini from Sunauli in about one hour in a taxi.

Lumbini was one of the cities in Kapilvastu, ruled by Shakya dynasty. Suddhodhana was the King, his kingdom was called Kapilvastu, and Tilaurakot was the capital. People in Kapilvastu were called Shakyas. King Suddhodhana’s only son Siddhartha abandoned royal life and became the Buddha. Years later, Siddhartha’s son Rahula too, became a monk. Shakya’s lineage ended and the rein went to the hands of another clan.

Legend has it Virudhaka, a king from Kosal, India, invaded Kapilvastu, torched the cities, and mutilated Shakyas. That was the retribution against Shakyas’ mischief; they had wedded his father to a slave. The vengeance came from the son of a slave. The Buddha was able to avert war for three times but eventually failed on the fourth attempt. Lumbini and other cities of Kapilvastu were eventually destroyed and lost in the rapids of time.

Ashoka, Indian king of Mauryan dynasty, visited Lumbini in 249 BC and erected a stone pillar marking the birth place of the Buddha. The inscriptions on the pillar read “Shakya muni Buddha was born here.” According to the chronicles, Ashoka worshipped the Nativity Tree, the tree under which Siddhartha was born; paid homage to the Pushkarini pond, and visited the places like Kudan, Ramgrama, Gotihawa and Niglihawa, the places associated with the Buddha. Ashoka also marked his visit in these places by erecting stone pillars. Pillars erected by Ashoka are called Ashokan Pillars, which can still be seen in these places.

Chinese pilgrims, in different times, travelled to the birthplace of the Buddha and wrote about Lumbini. Tseng Tsai visited Lumbini in the 4th century, Fa-Hsien in 5th century and Hiuen Tsang in 7th century. Among these Chinese pilgrims, Hiuen Tsang’s travel account is very descriptive. He gives detailed account of his visit, and describes the Ashokan Pillars. In 1312 AD, Ripu Malla, a King from Sinja, a satellite Kingdom in Nepal, visited Lumbini and left a stone inscription marking his visit.

Slowly, Lumbini and other cities associated with the Buddha were forgotten and the jungle began to engulf the entire area. Lumbini was lost for 600 years. Even the name was forgotten, people began to call it Rummindei and then later Rupandehi. Today, Lumbini is in Rupandehi district. It is a small town in the southern lowland called Terai, and very close to Nepal-India border.

During the archaeological survey in 1896, General Khadga Shumshere Rana and Dr. Alois Fuhrer discovered Ashokan Pillar in Lumbini. However, nothing concrete was done to protect the site until 1930. In 1930, under the guidance of General Kesar SJB Rana, a large scale excavation was carried out in Lumbini. During the excavation, Marker Stone, the stone that marks the exact birth spot of the Buddha was discovered. Other discoveries included the Buddha’s Nativity Sculpture, and gold casket.

On the occasion of the fourth World Buddhist Conference, in 1956, King Mahendra and United Nations General Secretary U. Thant visited Lumbini and chalked out a plan to preserve the history of Lumbini.

In 1970, Kenzo Tange was assigned to develop Lumbini Master Plan. Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) was established in 1985 to take over the responsibilities of management and development of Lumbini and adjacent areas. Lumbini Master Plan developed by Prof Kenzo Tange is still underway.

The Committee of UNESCO World Heritage recognized Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha and included Lumbini in World Heritage Site in 1997.

Depending on money you want to spend, you can stay in budget hotels and lodges or class hotels in Lumbini. The hotels in and around Lumbini provide Lumbini-Buddhist tour, vehicle service, local guide, cultural programs and village bicycling.

Archaeological sites in Lumbini

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Tara Temple, Lumbini | Source

Inner sanctum of Maya Devi Temple | Source

The pond where Buddha received his first purification bath | Source

Ruins of Suddhodhana Palace. Siddhartha had lived here for 29 years before becoming the Buddha | Source

Eternal Peace Flame | Source

Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini | Source

Entrance Fees for Maya Devi Temple and Lumbini Museum

Entrance Fees

Camera fees

For Foreigners

Rs. 50

Rs. 75 for still camera

Rs. 750 for movie camera

For Indian Nationals

R.s 10

Rs. 15 for still camera

Rs. 200 for movie camera

Filming For Foreigners

US$ 500/ per day

Lumbini Development Trust and Department of Archaeology must approve the script.

Entrance is free to the monks and nuns.
Forex: US$ 1 = Rs. 80

Itineraries for Lumbini-Buddhist Circuit and Lumbini Village Tour (4 days)

You can also extend your itinerary by cycling/walking around villages like Madhuvani village, Lumbini Adarsha village, Tenuhawa village and Ekala village and get a rare glimpse of rural life and get accustomed with the local people.

Comments 34 comments

That's true. I have been writing about the country since a long time. I still find difficulty to introduce Nepal.

Your concern for your country overwhelms me. You are a good citizen, you are making your country proud.

Have a good day.

gouraff 3 years ago from Kathmandu

Vinaya Ji,

That is really nice to know that your friends from West believes Nepal as the birthplace of Buddha. But still we have to work on spreading this fact as Buddha was born in Nepal all over the world who even don't know where Nepal is. :)

Vinaya Ghimire 3 years ago from Nepal Author

Gaurav,

thanks for your valuable feedback. I agree there is lots of confusion about the Birthplace of the Buddha. I have friends in the West who still believe the Buddha was born in Nepal.

gouraff 3 years ago from Kathmandu

Hello Vinaya,

Really nice write-up. Sachchi nai ramro laagyo padhera. Focusing on Lumbini as historical and tourism place is really great. Ani I have also started a website relating the controversial matter of Buddha's birth. Please check http://buddhafame.com

It is like an online Buddhist magazine but thinking to get help from each and every people who follows Buddhism. I also want to connect every people who follows the principle of Buddhism in his/her life. Please check my website and let me know where can I further make correction to make it better.

Thanks

Gaurav Manandhar

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

Dear J. S. Matthew,

Thanks for always supporting me.

Regards

J.S.Matthew 4 years ago from Massachusetts, USA

Vinaya, you will Always have my encouragement and support! Never Stop!

JSMatthew~

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

@Lightshare, thanks for your comment.

@Natashalh, thanks for reading and leaving a wonderful comment.

@Sueswan, thanks for always admiring my works.

@J.S. Matthew, thanks for always encouraging me.

@tillsontitan, thanks for always reading and commenting on my hubs.

@teaches, thanks for your comment.

@Jasmin, cheers

@mckbirdbks, thanks for always reading my hubs.

Regards

mckbirdbks 4 years ago from Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas

You have become quite adroit at building beautiful hubs, filled with information and filled with wonder.

Jasmin 4 years ago

Vinaya, you have published comprehensive article to help those who haven't visited Lumbini.

Thank you very much.

teaches12345 4 years ago

This is a well written and informative hub. I learned much from reading this. Well done.

tillsontitan 4 years ago from New York

Voted up, useful, awesome and interesting! Packed with lots of facts and background. You really provided a lot of good history here. Your photos are gorgeous and make Lumbini look like a place I'd like to visit.

J.S.Matthew 4 years ago from Massachusetts, USA

Vinaya, this is one of the best Hubs I've seen. Your photos are perfect and you have so much useful information in this Hub. Voting up and sharing. I learned so much here. Thank you.

JSMatthew~

Sueswan 4 years ago

Hi Vinaya,

A fascinating read. Your pictures are outstanding. I especially like the one of Tara Temple.

Voted up and away

Take care :)

Natashalh 4 years ago from Hawaii

Wow, what a detailed itinerary! I really enjoyed the picture of the Buddha nativity statue, too. I didn't even know such a thing existed.

As always, thanks for the great hub.

Lightshare 4 years ago

Thank you very much Vinaya for the great information and beautiful pictures -)

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

Hi starstream

thanks for reading and complimenting my work.

Cheers

starstream 4 years ago from Northern California

Interesting article. Great pictures too.

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

Hello Sunshine, thanks for your compliments.

Regards

Sunshine625 4 years ago from Orlando, FL

Beautiful article, photos and details. Well done Vinaya!

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

@Christy, we all are learners, you learn from me, I learn from you. Regards

Now I know and who I'll see when I visit Nepal. Amazingly written my friend. Voted all the buttons

Mhatter99 4 years ago from San Francisco

Great article. Thank you for sharing.

always exploring 4 years ago from Southern Illinois

Your hubs are so enlightening to the other cultures around the world. Thank you so much. I hope you will do more..Thank you..

Lovelovemeloveme 4 years ago from Cindee's Land

this was a very detailed article. goood job! thanks for the pics. they were lovely.

TToombs08 4 years ago from Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map.

Fascinating stuff, Vinaya! I would love to visit this place someday and learn more about Buddha.

ChristyWrites 4 years ago from British Columbia, Canada

Thank-you for explaining more about Buddha, Buddhism, and Lumbini to me. I enjoy learning more about culture and spirituality. Your articles let me do so.

Vinaya Ghimire 4 years ago from Nepal Author

@Anupma, I also feel that was. I always find Buddha and Buddhism very intriguing. More I read more I want to learn subject. Thanks for reading.

@remaniki, thanks for appreciating my work. I believe we all should follow and spread message of the Buddha. Thanks for your comment.

@soccer-world, the Buddha was born as a Hindu, in Lumbini, Nepal. And died in Kushinagar, India. The Buddha did not founded any religion, but his followers were later referred as the Buddhist.

@Rajan, thanks for always appreciating my works.

@Frank, we all are learners here. I learn from you, and you learn from me.

@Cardisa, the Buddha is portrayed with different face in different cultures. Perhaps you saw Buddha's figurines and idols made by Chinese artists.Thanks for reading and commenting.

@Radha, you are right, the Buddha is considered an incarnation of Vishnu. Buddhist legends also points at this fact. Thanks for your comment.

radhapriestess 4 years ago

Very interesting about Buddha and his connection to Nepal. In Hinduism we consider the Buddha to be the 9th incarnation of Vishnu, the preserving aspect of God. He is thought to be the reformer who brought spiritual thought to its essence. Love the photos and monasteries and temples--beautiful.

Cardisa 4 years ago from Jamaica

Wow, wow, wow! I am always amazed at your photos, the details of your articles and your interesting facts. I had no idea that Buddha was from Nepal. I always thought that Buddha was Chinese! Your country is so beautiful, I wish I could visit. Thank you for a great hub.

Frank Atanacio 4 years ago from Shelton

VG Im going to say thanks for this educational share.. because I learned something new ...bless you

rajan jolly 4 years ago from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar,INDIA.

Vinaya, another awesome hub this. You have captured the history of Buddha and the historical place Lumbini very beautifully. Thanks for some exceptional photos.

It was a delight to read and very knowledgeable for me.

Voted up and all across.

Shared this hub.

remaniki 4 years ago from Chennai, India

Hi Vinaya,

There cannot be a clearer picture of Lumbini than this one portrayed by you with precise details right from the history of the place to the tourist guide. This will be very helpful for those traveling to visit this great historical spot. I love Buddhism because I am a peace lover. Great hub. I have not kept up my promise to read your interview hubs so far. I will, soon.

Sharing it as always for the benefit of fellow hubbers and pinning it too. Cheers, Rema.

anupma 4 years ago from India

Thanks for sharing. Very Informative hub. I really want to know more and more about Buddhism and Lord Buddha. Although I read many book and from sites as well. But still my knowledge is incomplete.